Fund "will improve the environment"

Nature Trust welcomed the launch of the Environmental Fund by the Ministry for Rural Affairs and Environment, to provide money for environment conservation projects, emergency and contingency plans for environmental disasters, environmental research and for assisting environmental NGOs in project funding.

The group said that such a fund would continue to improve the environment in the Maltese islands.

"Nature Trust hopes that this fund will also provide another tool for the Malta Environment and Planning Authority to be proactive in law enforcement and fine lawbreakers and environmental vandals."

Nature Trust urged MEPA to refuse any applications that were filed for development outside development zones and made an appeal for the introduction of green wardens.